I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

Raised Cup Stitch Video Tutorial

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Time for another how-to video for hand embroidery! Today’s video is for the raised cup stitch, which is a dimensional embroidery stitch composed of a triangular foundation, upon which two layers of knots are worked. The result is a round cup that stands up off the fabric.

The raised cup stitch can be used in lots of different applications. If you combined it with the woven picot, for example, you could stitch some dimensional daffodils. Another example: you could use the raised cup stitch for a “setting” for a larger bead. It’s a great stitch for adding texture to your embroidery!

In the video, I’m working with a #5 perle cotton and a tapestry needle (#24, I think) on linen. The triangle is rather small (a little less than 1/2″ per side), but you can increase the size of your triangle and make a much larger cup by stitching more than two knots per side of the triangle.

I hope you enjoy the video and find it useful!

For those who receive the daily posts on Needle ‘n Thread in your e-mail, you’ll need to visit the website to view the video. Here’s the link: Raised Cup Stitch.

If you have difficulty viewing the video, check out the YouTube help center to troubleshoot your problem.

Again, you’re reading my mind ! I watched this tutorial and it’s the perfect solution for making “stand-out” flowers on my pastoral “work-in-progress” ! Striving to incorporate lots of textures, stitches, stumpwork, etc for trees, flowers, treetrunks, grassy hillsides, rainbows in the distance, etc., this will be a lovely addition to my “flower gardens”. I’m thinking of putting a shiney bauble inside the center, and then, of course, the stems which, thanks to you, I can now do pretty well.

I am fascinated with this stitch, which seems like it had to come from some very playful time with needle and thread. I see it as a very useful stitch for canvas work, flower centers, clothing embellishment, rocks and landscapes. Perfect for under the sea scapes too like coral and barnacles. Thank you for more inspiration.

Mary, Thank you for this wonderful video! I’ve never seen this stitch before and it has inspired me. I’m wondering if making a 3rd row of knots in every other bridge would close it up enough to make dimensional “grapes” for a cluster on some ecclesiastical work I’m contemplating.
Your blog and tutorials are always an inspiration! Thank you!

I really like this stitch, and the suggestion by Nestor for the third row is certainly interesting. What would happen if you made the base a square or a pentagon for a much larger cup? I guess I’ll have to try it out sometime.

Thank you for the tutorial. I’m thinking of using it with the Boughs of Holly pattern you provided to raise the berries, then place a red bead inside the cup to give the pattern a bit of sparkle.***Elizabeth of Colorado

I Love the video tutorial that you provided on each stitch, Please help me out with more advanced stitches also. I am very much interested to learn embroidery stitches and I am also a professional tailor.

Hi Mary,
Thank you so much for all these tutorials.my mom wanted to watch videos on embroidery but I couldn’t find a good website on these embroidering work. Yesterday I just watched the PORTUGUESE STEM STITCH. That was so clear my mom could understand. I am a Sri Lankan where these tutorials are so dense. Anyway,very thankful for these good instructions.